Benefits

• Increases payload capacity for small and medium launch vehicles
• Enhanced engine reliability through architecture and design decisions
• Simplified engine assemblies with fewer parts per engine and economies of scale
• Addresses launch service bottlenecks by reducing the number of launches required.

Technology

Turbopumps are considered the ‘holy grail’ of rocketry; they’re complicated and expensive. Pressurised fuel and oxidiser tanks are a simple and effective alternative, but simplicity comes at a cost. Pressurised tanks are heavy and affect vehicle performance. Turbopumps improve engine performance and decrease tank mass which allows more payload to be lifted to orbit. AFTdynamics believes the turbopump can be taken to the next generation where launch vehicles can benefit from the power of turbines, the responsiveness of electric pumps and the reliability of simple designs. The unique, distributed architecture of AFTdynamics’ hybrid turbopump has the potential to double the payload capacity of some of the world’s most prolific small launch vehicles.

Potential markets

AFTdynamics’ primary market is small launch, which will benefit most from their technology’s benefits. They will license designs to rocket engine manufacturers for integration into their systems and provide a ‘plug and play’ experience for vehicle developers.

Other potential markets are distributed hybrid power generation for electric aviation range extension along with domestic, distributed and decentralised energy production, among others.

Partnering opportunities

AFTdynamics is currently looking for seed funding to support research and development for a proof-of-concept article. They are also interested in partnering with subject matter experts in power, electronics and control systems engineering; launch vehicle development companies; business advisors and researchers to help make this technology fit for purpose, fit for market and fit for the future of the space industry.